tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2015-03-17T09:30:00Ztag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=289162Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenRory McIlroy replaces Tiger Woods on EA's PGA Tour2015-03-17T09:30:00Z2015-03-17T09:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5eQKOr6sFgk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Tiger Woods' name has gone from being synonymous with golf to being a different kind of pop culture reference. I'm not even sure if he golfs anymore. I just know he shows up to places missing teeth.</p>
<p>Of course, EA's <em>PGA Tour</em> series parted ways with Woods, who'd been the series' face since 1998, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-image-of-next-gen-pga-tour-is-missing-tiger-woods-264440.phtml">in 2013</a>. The decision left was Woods' successor and it seems like the company is trying to stick another long-lasting face on the series with Rory McIlroy and a new name, <em>Rory McIlroy PGA Tour PGA Tour</em>.</p>
<p>Personally, I was hoping for John Daly, but McIlroy is the safer choice. He's the only other golfer I actually know by name, a holdover from when I still used ESPN as background noise.</p>
<p><em>Rory McIlroy PGA Tour PGA Tour</em> runs in Frostbite, has no loading between holes, and is only coming to the current gen (PS4 and Xbox One).</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/289162-caddyshack.jpg" alt="Rory McIlroy replaces Tiger Woods on EA's PGA Tour screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/rory-mcilroy-replaces-tiger-woods-on-ea-s-pga-tour-289162.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=288586Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaMadden NFL 15 latest EA Vault addition2015-03-04T18:30:00Z2015-03-04T18:30:00Z<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ea.com/eaaccess/">EA Access</a> continues to prove itself worthy as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-madden-15-280704.phtml"><em>Madden NFL 2015</em></a> has just <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/EAAccess/status/573236888313716736">been added</a> to the current lineup of available games in the The Vault.</p>
<p>It's a shame Sony <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/sony-we-don-t-have-anything-against-ea-access-279804.phtml">turned down this service</a>. Despite their concerns, it appears to be providing plenty of value -- at least it would for me.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/288586-MaddenBoom.jpg" alt="Madden NFL 15 latest EA Vault addition screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=288163Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaNBA Live 15 added to EA Vault2015-02-24T21:30:00Z2015-02-24T21:30:00Z<p>Times have never been so low for those of us who love basketball and the games the sport inspires. While the <em>NBA2K</em> series may appear to be good enough <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/january-npd-ps4-back-at-number-one-287600.phtml">for the majority</a>, there is a growing minority that has become fed up with the way the series has been dragged down by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/the-woes-of-nba2k15-286606.phtml">microtransactions</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nba2k15-face-scanner-has-borne-creatures-that-beg-for-death-282242.phtml">inconsistencies</a>.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, the <em>House That Madden Built</em> has been seen by some in the community as being the savior of our desperate prayers. Unfortunately, EA's <em>NBA Live</em> series has been complete shit. However, <em>NBA Live 15</em> appears to show that this dog may have some legs (at least in the future).</p>
<p>If you happen to be an Xbox One owner and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-announces-xbox-one-subscription-service-and-it-s-not-bad-278793.phtml">EA Access</a> subscriber, then now is your chance to check out the other side of basketball gaming as <em>NBA Live 15</em> is <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/EAAccess/status/570359762853826561">now part</a> of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-vows-that-ea-access-games-will-stay-in-the-vault-permanently-279260.phtml">The Vault</a>. Go download and play, you lucky Xbox One plebes.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/288163-NBA-LiveFront.jpg" alt="NBA Live 15 added to EA Vault screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=285334Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreIt's now easier to unlock Bruce Lee in EA Sports UFC2014-12-23T13:30:00Z2014-12-23T13:30:00Z<p>Martial artist Bruce Lee is in <em>EA Sports UFC</em>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/you-can-play-as-bruce-lee-in-ea-sports-ufc-272974.phtml">somehow</a>. You can play as him after besting Career Mode on Pro difficulty or higher, or instantly if you pre-ordered the game. Because money.</p>
<p>That's how it was, anyway. Electronic Arts is now offering Lee (for all weight classes) as a free download on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live until January 5, 2015.</p>
<p>So do that, if you want. Or unlock him the hard way.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/285334-h1.jpg" alt="It's now easier to unlock Bruce Lee in EA Sports UFC screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=284879Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreEA Sports UFC (and Bruce Lee!) joins EA Access on December 182014-12-11T13:30:00Z2014-12-11T13:30:00Z<p>Damn. Started my <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/if-you-happen-to-have-ea-access-i-highly-recommend-playing-garden-warfare-282610.phtml">last post</a> about EA Access by admitting I keep forgetting the service exists, so it'd be poor form to do that again despite my continued forgetfulness. And now I've muddied <em>this post</em> by calling attention to that fact. Let's just look to the future already, shall we?</p>
<p>EA's $4.99-a-month service for Xbox One grants subscribers full access to select games and, on December 18, <em>EA Sports UFC </em>joins that list of titles in The Vault. This is the one featuring eternal badass <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-bruce-lee-kicking-ass-in-ea-sports-ufc-274856.phtml">Bruce Lee</a> as a playable character and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-ufc-fighters-look-great-have-detailed-nipples-270322.phtml">detailed male nipples</a>, so, cool.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/284879-h1.jpg" alt="EA Sports UFC (and Bruce Lee!) joins EA Access on December 18 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=281979Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiNHL 15 predicts entire hockey season, probably gets it horribly wrong2014-10-01T14:30:00Z2014-10-01T14:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VRf8vv34YME?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>EA Sports used <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-nhl-15-281559.phtml" target="_blank">NHL 15</a>&nbsp;</em>to simulate and predict the upcoming NHL season which begins next week. The results are most likely terribly wrong because nowhere does it anticipate that the Colorado Avalanche will be crowned Stanley Cup champions.</p>
<p>Instead, <em>NHL 15</em>&nbsp;(in all its flawed logic) ventures that the Los Angeles Kings will repeat last year's success and take home hockey's most coveted prize for a second straight season. It's an especially bold prediction considering that league parity and a grueling playoff schedule have kept the NHL from seeing a repeat champion since the Red Wings did it in '97-'98.</p>
<p>The video makes other forecasts, such as Sidney Crosby being named MVP, but you can probably disregard all of that and just believe me when I tell you that the Colorado Avalanche will emerge on top this season.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/281979-NHLHeader1.jpg" alt="NHL 15 predicts entire hockey season, probably gets it horribly wrong screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=281559Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiReview: NHL 152014-09-24T14:00:00Z2014-09-24T14:00:00Z<p>With regard to sports games, the most important facet of any given title should always be the actual playing of the sport. That's how <em>NHL 15</em>&nbsp;is. It mostly shines when you're on-ice, leading the charge through the neutral zone or lining up a bone-crushing hit on an unsuspecting forward. Damn EA for making me want to say this, but with <em>NHL 15</em>, when you're in the game, you're <em>in the game</em>.</p>
<p>But, if that's all that really matters, why's it impossible to overcome the feeling that its off-ice issues drag <em>NHL 15</em> down like a player that just got viciously hooked from behind?</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/281559-NHLHeader1.jpg" alt="Review: NHL 15 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-nhl-15-281559.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=281574Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenFIFA 15 PC glitch just runs everyone to the center of the pitch2014-09-24T10:45:00Z2014-09-24T10:45:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hv0IWN1GCSo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>FIFA 15</em>, just released yesterday in North America and yet to be released in Europe and the UK, is already having some troubles. Maybe you're in luck if you buy it on&nbsp;Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS or Vita (and by "in luck" I mean "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/madden-15-is-an-extra-scummy-ripoff-on-ps3-and-360-280694.phtml">probably paying full price for literally just a roster update</a>"). PC players, however <a target="_blank" href="http://answers.ea.com/t5/FIFA-15/FIFA15-Terrible-Bug/td-p/3565575/highlight/false">are reporting</a>&nbsp;some serious bugs, like the one above.</p>
<p>At the start of a match, all sound cuts and all the players just run to the center for an impromptu orgy <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/madden-15-glitches-1-foot-tall-players-rocketing-linemen-more-280564.phtml">less gelatinous and writhing than this <em>Madden 15</em>&nbsp;one</a>.</p>
<p>EA's suggested fixes, including, haha, trying to disable Origin and playing with a mouse and keyboard, don't seem to be working.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I've heard good things about <em>Pro Evolution Soccer</em>&nbsp;this year.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.computerandvideogames.com/477418/fifa-15-pc-bug-makes-every-player-run-to-the-halfway-line/">FIFA 15 PC bug makes every player run to the halfway line</a> [CVG]&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/281574-Strawberry.jpg" alt="FIFA 15 PC glitch just runs everyone to the center of the pitch screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=280777Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentWe had entirely too much fun with the Madden GIFerator 2014-09-06T15:30:00Z2014-09-06T15:30:00Z<p>EA Sports had this crazy idea that sounded as though, in a perfect world, it just might work. They empowered football fans to create their own GIFs complete with player animations, backgrounds, and smack talk with an impossible easy-to-use generator that even a monkey can figure out -- we know, because we did. They called it the <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/ah-so-that-s-where-those-silly-madden-gifs-are-coming-from-280686.phtml" target="_blank"><em>Madden</em> GIFerator</a>, and it was good.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Originally&nbsp;<span>"designed to help fans celebrate their favorite team's biggest plays and challenge their rivals," the GIFerator has spawned hundreds of GIFs that go far beyond simple jabs at other teams between sports fans.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>The Destructoid team took to the GIFerator to see what irreverent silliness we could come up with, and the results are, well, just about what you'd expect. Here's the cream of the crop from those who participated. You know what that means, don't you? You have to <a target="_blank" href="http://giferator.easports.com/">create your own</a> and share it below.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span>We'll be waiting.&nbsp;</span></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/280777-maddenhead.jpg" alt="We had entirely too much fun with the Madden GIFerator screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/we-had-entirely-too-much-fun-with-the-madden-giferator-280777.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=280704Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenReview: Madden 152014-09-05T16:00:00Z2014-09-05T16:00:00Z<p><em>Madden 15</em>&nbsp;on PS3 and 360 is <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/madden-15-is-an-extra-scummy-ripoff-on-ps3-and-360-280694.phtml" target="_blank">bad garbage</a>&nbsp;that EA shouldn't get away with releasing.</p>
<p>Alright then, onto current-gen.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/280704-capmad.jpg" alt="Review: Madden 15 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-madden-15-280704.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=280686Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreAh, so that's where those silly Madden GIFs are coming from2014-09-04T22:00:00Z2014-09-04T22:00:00Z<p>I don't care at all about <em>Madden</em>, but GIFs? Damn you, Electronic Arts. You've won.</p>
<p>The company has created a <a target="_blank" href="http://giferator.easports.com/">GIF maker</a> for <em>Madden NFL 15</em>, "designed to help fans celebrate their favorite team's biggest plays and challenge their rivals." Looking over submissions in the real-time stream, most of us didn't get the memo or simply aren't listening.</p>
<p>Let's see what you've got! Also, be sure to watch those <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/madden-15-glitches-1-foot-tall-players-rocketing-linemen-more-280564.phtml">glitch GIFs</a> if you missed 'em.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/280686-h1.jpg" alt="Ah, so that's where those silly Madden GIFs are coming from screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ah-so-that-s-where-those-silly-madden-gifs-are-coming-from-280686.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=280555Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenNot enough basketball in this NBA Live 15 trailer2014-09-02T14:30:00Z2014-09-02T14:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/w-8vL1r4pU8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>After taking several years to reboot <em>NBA Live</em>&nbsp;and still stumbling out of the gate with a crummy <em>NBA Live 14 </em>last year, EA isn't winning anyone over with a Visuals video or a face scanning video or a cover star announcement video (<span>Damian Lillard).&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Show good basketball being played, not super cuts of emotive players. Otherwise, this series will just die again instead of at least playing second fiddle to <i>2K</i>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/280555-image004.jpg" alt="Not enough basketball in this NBA Live 15 trailer screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=280230Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiEA aims to make $1 billion from extra content this year2014-08-26T19:30:00Z2014-08-26T19:30:00Z<p>Everyone knows that downloadable add-ons for videogames have become a profitable trend in recent years. This year, EA's aiming high and hopes to rake in a record amount of revenue from DLC.</p>
<p>According to an article on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-26/ea-amps-up-the-pressure-for-russell-wilson-in-madden-nfl.html">Bloomberg</a>, EA projects that it'll earn $1 billion from add-on content this year. Of the publisher's stable of games, sports titles are expected to be the biggest contributors. An analyst at Longbow Research LLC stated "The margins on <em>Madden</em> Ultimate Team are through the roof."</p>
<p>In the past year, EA has seen a 350 percent increase in revenue from <em>Madden</em>&nbsp;extra content. Those type of numbers ensure that future iterations of the sports franchises will see plenty of emphasis on Ultimate Teams.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-26/ea-amps-up-the-pressure-for-russell-wilson-in-madden-nfl.html" target="_blank">EA Amps Up the Pressure for Russell Wilson in Madden NFL</a> [Bloomberg via <a href="http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=882476" target="_blank">NeoGAF</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/280230-EAHeader.jpg" alt="EA aims to make $1 billion from extra content this year screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=280221Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenNHL 15 demo is up on PS4 and Xbox One2014-08-26T14:15:00Z2014-08-26T14:15:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FGGlG94U4A0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>You can play as either the New York Rangers or LA Kings, test out that new skill stick they're flaunting, or go into a free skate practice mode if you're new.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/280221-ducks.jpg" alt="NHL 15 demo is up on PS4 and Xbox One screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=279956Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterThe EA Sports Season Ticket has ceased to exist2014-08-21T11:30:00Z2014-08-21T11:30:00Z<p>As was expected with the advent of the EA Access program, the EA Sports Season Ticket and Arena initiatives are phasing out. If you have a Season Ticket it will run until the end of March 2015, at which point it will expire -- the price has also dropped from $25 to $20 in light of this news.</p>
<p>EA Sports Arena is also closing, and will completely cease to exist in November 2014. Plan accordingly! For those who aren't aware, these programs offered similar incentives to EA Access, but only for their sports line.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.easports.com/fifa/news/2014/changes-to-ea-sports-arena">Changes to EA Sports Arena</a> [EA Sports]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/279956-ZX1.jpg" alt="The EA Sports Season Ticket has ceased to exist screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=279672Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenEA spent tons of money on this 'kooky' 'viral' Madden trailer2014-08-15T14:00:00Z2014-08-15T14:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-DL0W9AUCuY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>I bet the people involved had a lot of fun shooting this offbeat <em>Madden 15</em> commercial. It's also an obviously expensive production (beyond the celebrity costs) meant to be "weird" and, hopefully, shared (viral) over the Net.</p>
<p>And when you're trying that hard to be weird, it's a bit like people who describe themselves as "<em>so</em> random." This is a millions-selling product released at a premium, annually, in a monopolized deal with a league that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.si.com/nfl/photos/2011/03/11inside-the-nfls-money-machine#1">makes more money</a> than the MLB, NBA, and NHL combined. And wants to more than double that take, to $25 billion/year, by 2027. Enjoy your $14 Bud Light while it lasts, because it won't be that cheap forever.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/279672-hotpants.jpg" alt="EA spent tons of money on this 'kooky' 'viral' Madden trailer screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=279075Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiXbox One Madden 15 bundle throws in a copy of the game for free2014-08-04T13:15:00Z2014-08-04T13:15:00Z<p><em>Madden 15</em>&nbsp;is getting a special Xbox One bundle for its August 26 release. Like any offensive lineman worth his salt, it's larger than average. However, unlike any all-star caliber player, it sort of comes at a discount.</p>
<p>For $399, prospective <em>Madden</em>&nbsp;players can pick up the <em>Madden 15</em>&nbsp;Xbox One bundle, which contains a digital copy of the game along with the Kinectless Xbox One. As far as the console itself, there's nothing unique about it like the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/that-rumored-white-xbox-one-may-launch-with-sunset-overdrive-279059.phtml">white <em>Sunset Overdrive</em>&nbsp;edition</a>&nbsp;-- just your run-of-the-mill black box.</p>
<p>The keen consumers in the crowd have surely noticed that $399 is what the new Xbox One SKU retails for by itself. With this bundle, <em>Madden 15</em>&nbsp;is essentially free. Not a bad way to jump into the current console generation if you feel like huckin' the ol' pigskin around.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/279075-MaddenHeader.jpg" alt="Xbox One Madden 15 bundle throws in a copy of the game for free screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-one-madden-15-bundle-throws-in-a-copy-of-the-game-for-free-279075.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=278553Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiNHL 15 flaunts its alliteration with the Superstar Skill Stick2014-07-24T01:00:00Z2014-07-24T01:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kgGna21AjBU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Slapshots from the point, cheeky tip-ins, and wristers through traffic are all perfectly fine, but when you play an <em>NHL</em>&nbsp;game, you want to embarrass your opponent. You want them going to get their jock out of the rafters while you plug your ears with your Stanley Cup rings.</p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml" target="_blank">NHL 15</a></em>&nbsp;claims to be able to give you that ability. With the Superstar Skill Stick, the right-stick system has evolved in a way to make it look like you have the puck on a string. Do whatever you want to get around defenders, just remember that none of it counts unless you rip twine.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/278553-NHLHeader.jpg" alt="NHL 15 flaunts its alliteration with the Superstar Skill Stick screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=278402Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenTeam USA's Clint Dempsey loses Xbox shirt for PS3/PS4 FIFA 15 cover2014-07-21T08:00:00Z2014-07-21T08:00:00Z<p>Lionel Messi will grace the cover of <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/fifa-15-on-pc-won-t-use-the-old-engine-again-276038.phtml">FIFA</a></em>&nbsp;for the third year straight year, but <em>FIFA 15</em>'s North American release will see team USA's Clint Dempsey creeping behind Messi, wondering why his lighting is so different.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is one problem, though. Dempsey's pro team is sponsored by Microsoft, and he wears a big old Xbox jersey. The PlayStation versions of the game have a wardrobe change on the cover, opting for a national team jersey.</p>
<p>Got to give football credit for not having a hatchet job broadcast filled with commercials and shilling every minute and a half, but I still can't get over corporate branded jerseys. Lesser of two evils, I guess.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/278402-xboxshuirt.jpg" alt="Team USA's Clint Dempsey loses Xbox shirt for PS3/PS4 FIFA 15 cover screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/team-usa-s-clint-dempsey-loses-xbox-shirt-for-ps3-ps4-fifa-15-cover-278402.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=278344Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiFIFA 15 puts priority on emotions and giant dogpiles2014-07-18T16:30:00Z2014-07-18T16:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2dDHWCZH9ZA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Last month, I did <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml">my best to tell you</a> what EA Sports wanted to put emphasis on for its three big sports titles this year. Then, it went and undermined me by releasing videos that say exactly what I wrote. In the unfortunate event that you didn't read my preview, this video explains <em>FIFA 15</em>'s emotions system and why all your players will dive on top of one another. And hey, at least now you know first-hand that your player's going to get really angry when Luis Suarez bites you.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/278344-FifaHeader.jpg" alt="FIFA 15 puts priority on emotions and giant dogpiles screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=278327Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiPucks and players are more chaotic in NHL 152014-07-18T11:00:00Z2014-07-18T11:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wIFFY-IG7RE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>About a month ago, I explained how EA Sports' <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml">big focus</a> for <em>NHL 15</em>&nbsp;was physics. In the event that you didn't believe me (or hate reading), this video adequately sums up the studio's intentions. Watch it to learn how pucks bounce or to see Matt Duchene crash the net like a total badass.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/278327-NHLHeader.jpg" alt="Pucks and players are more chaotic in NHL 15 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=277932Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenWho is yelling in this Madden trailer and why, why, why2014-07-11T13:15:00Z2014-07-11T13:15:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/r6n5lDaZAMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>I wanted to fit a "Red Warrior is about to die" joke in this trailer for <em>Madden</em>'s new Gauntlet mode. I got as far as "Redskins is about to die" before I started watching this video and was greeted with an over eager, discordant voice over.</p>
<p><em>Bosssssss levelsssssssssssss</em>.</p>
<p>Who thought this was a good idea?</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/277932-gauntlet.jpg" alt="Who is yelling in this Madden trailer and why, why, why screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=277817Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiBe as arrogant as you want in NHL 152014-07-09T14:00:00Z2014-07-09T14:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C7XjKArgQC0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Who doesn't want more control in their videogames? EA Sports explains that in <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml" target="_blank">NHL 15</a>, players have been rebuilt from the ground up to give players unprecedented control. That includes the ability to choose your own goal celebrations. I'm sure everyone will respectfully skate back to the bench so as to not show up their opponent.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/277817-NHLHeader.jpg" alt="Be as arrogant as you want in NHL 15 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=277094Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiBoston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron to grace the cover of NHL 152014-06-24T19:14:00Z2014-06-24T19:14:00Z<p>[<strong>Update:</strong>&nbsp;EA Sports has sent along the cover art, which can be seen below.]</p>
<p>At tonight's 2014 NHL Awards in Las Vegas, the winner of the <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml" target="_blank">NHL 15</a></em>&nbsp;cover was revealed. The athletes went through a fan voting process, beginning with eight, and being whittled down until only Montreal Canadiens' defenseman P.K. Subban and Boston Bruins center Patrice&nbsp;Bergeron were left.</p>
<p>After bringing both of the players out, the game's new commentators revealed that Bergeron had edged Subban in as the fan favorite. Official box art isn't available yet, but it probably won't take EA Sports too long to get on the ball...err, puck.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/277094-NHLHeader.jpg" alt="Boston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron to grace the cover of NHL 15 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/boston-bruins-patrice-bergeron-to-grace-the-cover-of-nhl-15-277094.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276912Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiMadden 15 cover wants you to stop in your tracks, or something2014-06-20T20:00:00Z2014-06-20T20:00:00Z<p>Seattle Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman won the vote to be on the box art of <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml">Madden 15</a></em>. What exactly he's doing on the cover, well, that's anybody's guess.</p>
<p>Does he want a high-five? (If so, gotta go higher, Richard.) Is he telling everyone to "Stop, collaborate and listen?" (No, because I took the time to watch the video, and Vanilla Ice doesn't put his hand out.) Ever the controversial fashionista, he probably just wants to show us his nifty glove.</p>
<p>Yeah, that's gotta be it.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Madden-NFL-15-Ultimate-Edition-Xbox/dp/B00KUY3DBE">Madden '15</a> [Amazon]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276912-MaddenHeader.jpg" alt="Madden 15 cover wants you to stop in your tracks, or something screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/madden-15-cover-wants-you-to-stop-in-your-tracks-or-something-276912.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276769Ben Packhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+PackReview: EA Sports UFC2014-06-19T12:00:00Z2014-06-19T12:00:00Z<p>Usually when I'm watching two grown men beat each other up, their names are Ryu and Ken.</p>
<p>I am a fan of a good fight in games, but aside from the occasional boxing match I have never been very interested in MMA. After watching trailers for <em>EA Sports UFC,</em>&nbsp;I figured now might be the time to start to learn the sport through the game.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/276769-header.jpg" alt="Review: EA Sports UFC screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-ea-sports-ufc-276769.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275792Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiEA Sports has one big focus for Madden, FIFA, and NHL this year2014-06-09T15:00:00Z2014-06-09T15:00:00Z<p>EA Sports is in a good position with its athletic franchises. The demand for annual iterations in each series is high enough to warrant frequent releases, but sports don't really change. This allows the developers to focus on nothing but improvements and making the games as realistic as possible -- something that any fan of sports games desperately wants.</p>
<p>And, realism is exactly what EA Sports strives for. With regard to its <i>Madden</i>, <em>FIFA</em>, and <em>NHL</em>&nbsp;brands, each is seeing changes this year that bring it ever closer to pure simulation. After all, if it's in the game, it's in the game.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275792-EAHeader.jpg" alt="EA Sports has one big focus for Madden, FIFA, and NHL this year screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-has-one-big-focus-for-madden-fifa-and-nhl-this-year-275792.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276243Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentMadden 15 allows more freedom on defense than ever before2014-06-09T14:45:00Z2014-06-09T14:45:00Z<p><em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/products_detail.phtml?p=Madden+15&amp;category=&amp;c=news" target="_blank">Madden 15</a></em> is seeking to put more focus on defense in the latest iteration of the ridiculously popular football game, with updates that should make the entire experience a little more fun overall.</p>
<p>Players will be able to choose a direction to push their opponent when locked into a block, and additional block mechanics will be implemented. The way team members make tackles have been redesigned, with a tackle cone that allows you to zero-in on your opponent. Aggressive tackles let you take more serious risks, and with bigger hits you can dive further away. What all of this means is you have more fun on defense, and who hasn't wished that a time or two?</p>
<p>An Emmy award-winning cinematographer will be handling camera angles so that you can relish those updated defense mechanics in style, and you can look for <em>Madden 15</em> to hit store shelves on August 26. That isn't very long to wait until you can get your football on. Or, American football. Sports.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276243-eaheadmadden.jpg" alt="Madden 15 allows more freedom on defense than ever before screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276225Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraNHL 15 trailer shows off the physics of hockey2014-06-09T14:43:00Z2014-06-09T14:43:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rAmHqubPljM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>In its E3 press conference today, Electronic Arts released a new trailer for its upcoming hockey game, <em>NHL 15</em>. During the presentation, EA boasted that it would calculate "physics for all twelve players and the puck."</p>
<p>The trailer above shows off those physics, with some bone-crunching hits and pretty fantastic shots on goal. NHL 15 is set to release on September 9, 2014.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276225-NHL.jpg" alt="NHL 15 trailer shows off the physics of hockey screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276235Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenEA Sports PGA Tour lets you fire flaming balls over battleships2014-06-09T14:37:00Z2014-06-09T14:37:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fYcPfisx018" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Tiger Woods is out after damaging his brand. Flaming golf balls shot over battleships in the Pacific are in. Take that, Woods.</p>
<p><em>EA Sports PGA Tour</em> (Spring 2015) is going to use the Frostbite 3 engine, which will give its fully rendered environments "no load times between holes.</p>
<p>There are also "extreme fantasy courses" along with traditional, boring, stuffy golf courses, like the aforementioned war zone. The flaming golf ball reminded me of <em>Triple Play</em>. We need more arcade fun in sports games.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276235-eabgolf.jpg" alt="EA Sports PGA Tour lets you fire flaming balls over battleships screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276096Abel Girmayhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Abel+GirmayMadden 15 will feature player tattoos, releases E3 trailer2014-06-06T21:00:00Z2014-06-06T21:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nUiBJy150rg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Amongst all the E3 hubbub about games like, <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ed-boon-reveals-mortal-kombat-x-275770.phtml">Mortal Kombat X</a></em>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-destiny-is-not-everything-i-need-to-know-275079.phtml"><em>Destiny</em></a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-announces-halo-5-guardians-set-for-fall-of-2015-274930.phtml"><em>Halo 5</em></a>, let's not forget that August will bring us our annual <em>Madden</em>. Teasing what will be brought to the show, the <em>Madden 15</em> E3 trailer implies, to me, that this year's game will have a particular focus on defense.</p>
<p>Featuring the lauded Caroline Panthers' middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, the video plays a radio casting of the Panther's January playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, while Kuechly swears to not fail next season. The actual gameplay clip in the trailer shows the Panthers going up against the Seattle Seahawks, who were statistically the best defensive team in the 2013 season. A lot of defense going on.</p>
<p>In other news, <em>Madden 15</em> will feature athletes' tattoos which were oddly missing in previous games in recent years. According to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/5/5782540/madden-nfl-15-tattoos-returning-colin-kaepernick">Polygon</a>, EA is really trying to cover its legal bases, requiring NFL players to have their tattoo artists sign waivers before featuring their designs in-game. This apparently was in response to legal cases where EA was being periodically sued by tattoo artists whose work would show up in games uncredited.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/5/5782540/madden-nfl-15-tattoos-returning-colin-kaepernick">Why tattoos are just now returning to Madden with Madden NFL&nbsp;15</a> [Polygon]<strong><br /></strong></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276096-madden header.jpg" alt="Madden 15 will feature player tattoos, releases E3 trailer screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276038Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreFIFA 15 on PC won't use the old engine again2014-06-05T20:00:00Z2014-06-05T20:00:00Z<p>While EA Sports went with its new Ignite engine for <em>FIFA 14 </em>on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the company opted not to use the game engine for the PC version. At the time, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-next-gen-engine-doesn-t-support-pc-wii-u-256552.phtml">it was argued</a> that the average<em></em> player didn't have a good-enough machine to handle Ignite. Which there's truth to, I'm sure, but for a franchise as massive as <em>FIFA</em>, that kind of justification is disappointing.</p>
<p>That won't be the case again with <em>FIFA 15</em> on PC. EA Sports made the announcement today, noting "all the same core features coming to the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game" will be included. The minimum and recommended system specs were also disclosed.</p>
<p>Minimum Required Specifications:</p>
<ul>
<li> <strong>OS</strong>: Windows V/7/8/8.1 64-bit</li>
<li> <strong>CPU</strong>: Intel Q6600 Core2 Quad @ 2.4Ghz</li>
<li> <strong>RAM</strong>: 4GB</li>
<li> <strong>Hard Drive Space Required</strong>: 15.0 GB</li>
<li> <strong>Minimum Supported Video Cards</strong>: ATI Radeon HD 5770, NVIDIA GTX 650</li>
<li> <strong>DirectX</strong>: 11.0</li>
</ul>
<p>Recommended Specifications:</p>
<ul>
<li> <strong>OS</strong>: Windows V/7/8/8.1 64-bit</li>
<li> <strong>CPU</strong>: Intel i5-2550K @ 3.4Ghz</li>
<li> <strong>RAM</strong>: 8GB</li>
<li> <strong>Hard Drive Space Required</strong>: 15.0 GB</li>
<li> <strong>Supported Video Cards</strong>: ATI Radeon HD 6870, NVIDIA GTX 460</li>
<li> <strong>DirectX</strong>: 11.0</li>
</ul>
<p>There's more to come at E3, obviously, but I'm glad we got this info out of the way now.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.easports.com/fifa/news-updates-gameplay/article/fifa-15-features-info-pc">FIFA 15 feature details for PC</a> [EA Sports]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276038-h1.jpg" alt="FIFA 15 on PC won't use the old engine again screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275797Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiFirst NHL 15 screen isn't of an Avalanche player like it should be2014-06-02T14:45:00Z2014-06-02T14:45:00Z<p>EA Sports has released the first screenshot for <em>NHL 15</em>, and it features San Jose captain Joe Thornton rocking an unimpressive beard, because they're the Sharks and their long list of playoff flameouts disappoint in both the championship rings and beard departments.</p>
<p>Now, this screen could be helped immeasurably if it were of, oh I don't know, electric Avalanche rookie Nathan MacKinnon. Of course, his presence would beg for a more action-oriented still, rather than just meanly staring at the faceoff circle. But, EA's been working on the <em>NHL </em>series for a while now; I imagine it could be pulled off.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275797-NHLHeader.jpg" alt="First NHL 15 screen isn't of an Avalanche player like it should be screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-nhl-15-screen-isn-t-of-an-avalanche-player-like-it-should-be-275797.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275619Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiKick some ass on June 3 in the EA Sports UFC demo2014-05-29T21:00:00Z2014-05-29T21:00:00Z<p>As Stroke 9 once inquired, how many people want to kick some ass? If your answer is a resounding "I do! I do!," you have anger issues. Also, you might enjoy knowing that there's an imminent demo for <em>EA Sports UFC</em>.</p>
<p>The bone-breaking, blood-spewing simulator's demo doesn't feature the storied Bruce Lee, but rather Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson, who are apparently on the verge of a rematch. The demo's coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 -- two platforms that made Dale <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-ufc-looks-ultra-freakin-real-275112.phtml">thoroughly impressed</a> by how realistic the game looks.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275619-UFCHeader.jpg" alt="Kick some ass on June 3 in the EA Sports UFC demo screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/kick-some-ass-on-june-3-in-the-ea-sports-ufc-demo-275619.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275445Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenEA Sports UFC shows off its fighting women 2014-05-27T14:45:00Z2014-05-27T14:45:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mXtbsnh5mEA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The game does look pretty impressive, but is it just me or does the whole thing sort of lack grace? The fighters seem a little more awkward and stilted than I would like. Of course, just because there isn't lifelike fidelity doesn't mean it doesn't play well (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-ufc-looks-ultra-freakin-real-275112.phtml">Dale was impressed with it</a>). Just the sequence around 40 seconds looks a bit goofy.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275445-ufcwomen.jpg" alt="EA Sports UFC shows off its fighting women screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275112Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthEA Sports UFC looks ultra-freakin' real2014-05-20T10:30:00Z2014-05-20T10:30:00Z<p>Look, I'm not necessarily a MMA fan, but I have played a few games and watched a few matches in my day. The latest, <em>EA Sports UFC</em>, is a pretty good time, even for a casual player like myself. I took on Digital Trends' <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/users/adam_rosenberg/" target="_blank">Adam Rosenberg</a> in a casual match and beat the living daylights out of him in the first round using Bruce Lee. Somehow the button-per-limb control scheme really clicks with me, and I had the advantage because I've used the game's stick-based grapple controls before.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of course, he knocked the sh*t out of me the next two rounds after getting the controls down.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275112-ca.jpg" alt="EA Sports UFC looks ultra-freakin' real screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-ufc-looks-ultra-freakin-real-275112.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=274856Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreHere's Bruce Lee kicking ass in EA Sports UFC2014-05-14T19:30:00Z2014-05-14T19:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ykBBqoVn61E?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>My gut reaction to hearing that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/you-can-play-as-bruce-lee-in-ea-sports-ufc-272974.phtml">Bruce Lee would be playable</a> in <em>EA Sports UFC</em> was "Huh? That's a bit odd." In recent weeks, I've come around to find his inclusion to be in good fun.</p>
<p>If you remain unconvinced, here's a video in which various UFC figures do their best to justify his virtual debut in the Octagon. It's also a good look at him in the game, something we haven't seen a whole lot of up until now. Lee is unlockable by clearing the career mode<em></em> or pre-ordering.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/274856-h1.jpg" alt="Here's Bruce Lee kicking ass in EA Sports UFC screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=274199Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizEA looking to stream games direct to Comcast customers2014-05-02T21:00:00Z2014-05-02T21:00:00Z<p>Electronic Arts could soon be offering their games directly to Comcast subscribers, according to a report from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/02/us-comcast-gaming-exclusive-idUSBREA410V920140502?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=technologyNews">Reuters</a>. The two companies have been in talks, and after two years of testing it seems the deal is close to an agreement.</p>
<p>Titles such as<em> Madden, Fifa, Monopoly,</em> and <em>Plants vs. Zombies</em> were just some of the games reference. The focus will be on sports and casual games at first, with genres like first-person shooters and action games to be looked at based on user preferences. This would also be a service specifically for those that use the cloud-connected X1 cable box system.</p>
<p>Comcast customers will be able to turn their tablets into controllers to play these games, which is disheartening to hear. How the revenue model will work or the release date for such a service have yet to be decided, according to Reuters.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/02/us-comcast-gaming-exclusive-idUSBREA410V920140502?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=technologyNews">Exclusive - Comcast nears deal to stream EA games to TVs</a> [Reuters]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/274199-header.jpg" alt="EA looking to stream games direct to Comcast customers screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=272974Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreYou can play as Bruce Lee in EA Sports UFC2014-04-07T13:00:00Z2014-04-07T13:00:00Z<p>Legendary martial artist Bruce Lee will be a playable character in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sports-ufc-features-sexy-soft-squishy-bodies-256190.phtml"><em>EA Sports UFC</em></a> and with that knowledge, I can't imagine why you'd choose to play as anyone else.</p>
<p>Now, EA is taking the usual "pre-order the game for access" route but, thankfully, Lee is not restricted to customers who reserve the game -- they're just getting him quicker. Everyone else will need to clear the game on pro difficulty or higher, unlocking Lee for play in the Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, and Lightweight divisions.</p>
<p>"The <em>EA Sports UFC</em> development team has been incredible to work with, and they've done a great job capturing the look and feel of my father," said Shannon Lee. "I think people will love getting a chance to fulfill a fight fantasy by playing Bruce Lee in the new <em>UFC</em> game."</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/272974-h1.jpg" alt="You can play as Bruce Lee in EA Sports UFC screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/you-can-play-as-bruce-lee-in-ea-sports-ufc-272974.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=266382Joshua Derocherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Joshua+DerocherEA says there won't be any more FIFA Manager games2013-11-25T11:00:00Z2013-11-25T11:00:00Z<p>Gerald K&ouml;hler, the founder and designer of <em>FIFA Manager</em>, sent out an <a href="http://www.fifa-manager.com/home/blog/blog-article/n/News/show/offener-brief-von-gerald/" target="_blank">open letter</a> this weekend stating that <em>FIFA Manager 14</em>&nbsp;would be the last one in the series. He said that "one game has practically dominated the market" of the already niche genre. While he didn't say what game was domination the management sim genre, it's clear he meant&nbsp;<em>Football Manager 14</em>,&nbsp;which has 62,033 people playing it on <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/stats/" target="_blank">Steam</a>&nbsp;at this very moment.</p>
<p>Basically, it would be too expensive to bring <em>FIFA Manager </em>to the next-generation, and EA is giving up any hope of outselling <em>Football Manager</em>. Good job EA! If you can't be the best at something, just give up.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/266382-soccor.jpg" alt="EA says there won't be any more FIFA Manager games screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=266339Wesley Ruscherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Wesley+RuscherFIFA 14 crash reported on Xbox One2013-11-24T16:00:00Z2013-11-24T16:00:00Z<p>A recent post on the <a target="_blank" href="https://help.ea.com/article/fifa-14-next-gen-launch-notes">EA Sports support page</a>&nbsp;confirms&nbsp;launching <em>FIFA 14</em> on Xbox One, while two controllers are connected, may cause the game to crash during startup.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post breaks down the root of the crash to&nbsp;<span>"using two separate controllers, both assigned to user profiles, and then using controller two to navigate the bootflow when&nbsp;</span><i>FIFA 14</i><span>&nbsp;is loading can result in a crash."&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>Additionally, other reports show the game is losing online functions when&nbsp;resumed&nbsp;after suspending the console while on the title screen.&nbsp;</span>Currently there is no patch to resolve the issue, but EA has stated that they are working on a Day One patch to smooth things over, as well as improve Kinect voice commands and other co-op season crashes.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/266339-zidane.jpg" alt="FIFA 14 crash reported on Xbox One screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/fifa-14-crash-reported-on-xbox-one-266339.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=266246Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreEA Sports commits to improving messy NBA Live 142013-11-22T20:30:00Z2013-11-22T20:30:00Z<p><em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nba-live-14-fighting-for-relevancy-265013.phtml">NBA Live 14</a> </em>marks the return of the series and people aren't feeling it. With a Metascore of 45 for the PlayStation 4 version, executive producer Sean O'Brien says it best: "I'm not going to lie; it's been a rough week. As you can imagine, this isn't exactly the <em>NBA LIVE</em> comeback story we were hoping for this year." The team isn't looking for a pity party, however.</p>
<p>"First, you've told us that the game is too hard to learn, and that the only way to figure it out is through frustrating trial-and-error. As a result, we are working on improving the way the game teaches the controls and on-boards new users." Another common complaint was the game's unpolished visuals and animation. "Improvements on these fronts are also in development now," he stated. "You will notice in the coming weeks and months that the game&rsquo;s visuals and animation will improve significantly."</p>
<p>For those of you stuck with a copy of <em>NBA Live 14</em>, you may just want to hang onto the game, although if I were in that position I know I wouldn't. "In order to get gameplay up and running this year we had to prioritize," explained O'Brien. You don't say.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.easports.com/nba-live/news-updates-gameplay/article/nba-live-14-open-letter">Letter from NBA LIVE 14 Executive Producer Sean O'Brien</a> [EA Sports]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/266246-h1.jpg" alt="EA Sports commits to improving messy NBA Live 14 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=265942Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiNice moves: NBA Live 14 next-gen demo drops tomorrow2013-11-18T18:15:00Z2013-11-18T18:15:00Z<p>Feeling a bit hesitant about lacing up your high-top Nikes and returning to the virtual hardwood? It's tough to blame you; a lot can go wrong when you step on that virtual court. You might pull a virtual Kevin Ware and shatter your virtual leg in one of the most gruesome virtual accidents anyone's ever seen.</p>
<p>Fortunately, <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/nba-live-14-fighting-for-relevancy-265013.phtml" target="_blank">NBA Live 14</a></em>&nbsp;will let you ease into it slowly, if you'd like. On November 19, a demo is releasing for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, so potential consumers can give the no-longer defunct basketball franchise the ol' college try. Well, PS4 owners can; those that are getting Xbox Ones have to wait until the console's actually out.</p>
<p>The demo will include a full game with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors being available teams. Also available are five Big Moments in which the player tries to recreate real life performances, and a few Live Ultimate Team fantasy challenges.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/265942-NBAHeader.jpg" alt="Nice moves: NBA Live 14 next-gen demo drops tomorrow screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=265075Tim Sheehyhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tim+SheehyFIFA 14 adds layers of realism to the pitch2013-11-06T19:45:00Z2013-11-06T19:45:00Z<p>From what I understand, <em>FIFA 14</em> is one of the earliest games to be shown consistently running on Xbox One hardware, rather than being demonstrated on PC-based development kits. That being the case, I expected a solid performance from the game from the get-go, and while the build I played wasn't the final product, it really felt close enough.</p>
<p>Rather than offering up the full 33 licensed leagues, my experience with this build featured several well known clubs from around the world. Playing on pro-difficulty, I choose to play a full-length match as the English Premiere League's Manchester City against the AI's Real Madrid -- unfortunately, Manchester United was not available -- to take place at Old Trafford. The demo was initially set up for head to head matches with human opponents, but I was assured the AI was properly in place, and fortunately they were right.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/265075-fifa_14.jpg" alt="FIFA 14 adds layers of realism to the pitch screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/fifa-14-adds-layers-of-realism-to-the-pitch-265075.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=265013Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenNBA Live 14 fighting for relevancy2013-11-06T12:30:00Z2013-11-06T12:30:00Z<p>Sports, television, videogames. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/such-smooth-armpits-nba-live-14-gameplay-trailer-263823.phtml"><em>NBA Live 14</em></a> is the Xbox One <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-one-tv-tv-tv-sports-sports-call-of-duty-dogs-254206.phtml">trifecta</a>. The <em>NBA Live</em> series has long been dormant, finally reviving itself on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this month.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The key word I kept hearing was "relevancy," which is appropriate. It's something the series needs to regain. EA's ambitions, however, are not to just make a basketball that can compete with <em>2K</em> at a fundamental level.</p>
<p>Leveraging a partnership with Synergy Sports, <em>NBA Live</em> boasts a constantly evolving game that will reflect the real life NBA season with hours of actual games being played. Really living up to the <em>Live</em> name, I guess.</p>
<p>Oh, and there's a TV show.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/265013-nbailve14header.jpg" alt="NBA Live 14 fighting for relevancy screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nba-live-14-fighting-for-relevancy-265013.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=265012Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenMadden 25 CoachGlass may be the best way to call defense2013-11-06T11:30:00Z2013-11-06T11:30:00Z<p>Stats run sports. Yes, we have heartwarming stories of moxie and upsets and unexpected onside kicks right after the Super Bowl halftime show and they make for great narratives, but numbers are invaluable at easily quantifying what used to take a wicked good eye and more memory than is worth expending.</p>
<p>Anecdotes say Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is a choke artist who can't finish games. Numbers show that from 2008 to 2012, the number of game winning drives or fourth quarter comebacks he orchestrated increased each year, including five of the Cowboys' eight wins in 2012.</p>
<p>One the failings of <em>Madden</em> has been an inability to convey information and to teach football. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-madden-25-260660.phtml"><em>Madden 25</em></a> took some steps to address this with the Skills Trainer, while CoachGlass goes a step further, actually working in-game to allow you to make informed decisions with an intuitive interface.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/265012-peterson.jpg" alt="Madden 25 CoachGlass may be the best way to call defense screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/madden-25-coachglass-may-be-the-best-way-to-call-defense-265012.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264987Alessandro Fillarihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Alessandro+FillariNeed for Speed joins the EA Sports brand2013-11-05T21:00:00Z2013-11-05T21:00:00Z<p>Only one week away from the release of its next title in the <em>Need for Speed</em> series, EA already has some big plans in mind for the future of the racing franchise. In an effort to provide more of an open attitude towards development, the <em>Need for Speed</em> brand will be folded into the EA sports label to provide the series with some new perspective.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/5/5068816/need-for-speed-ea-sports">During an interview with Polygon</a>, executive vice president of EA Patrick Soderlund expressed his ideas for what the future of EA holds, and how the various brands and divisions within the company can learn a lot from each other. "I think that we can learn a lot from the sports games and what they've done," Soderlund said. "When you play a sports game, the controller in your hand will dictate how good the game is. It's all about player control and input and how it feels. It's a feeling, right? I think that focus on pure gameplay, is something that can benefit the <em>Need for Speed</em> brand in a very positive way."</p>
<p>Though he was quick to deny that the series will now steer towards realism, he did express that having new developers and producers with experience on sports titles will help to offer new ideas and vision. The <em>Need for Speed</em> series is known for blurring the line between simulation and arcade racing, and with <em>Rivals</em> and the next-gen consoles just around the corner, we'll have to wait and see if this new strategy will pan out. &nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Need for Speed: Rivals</em> will be released on November 15, 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and both Xbox One and PS4.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/5/5068816/need-for-speed-ea-sports">How Need for Speed and EA's sports leadership are collaborating for the future</a> [Polygon]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/264987-Need for Speed Rivals Gamescom 6_WM-620x.jpg" alt="Need for Speed joins the EA Sports brand screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264703Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiTiger Woods is trying to sell his name to a new videogame2013-11-01T11:45:00Z2013-11-01T11:45:00Z<p>After <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-image-of-next-gen-pga-tour-is-missing-tiger-woods-264440.phtml" target="_blank">Electronic Arts broke off</a> a 15-year relationship with Tiger Woods, the golfer is doing what many in his situation would -- he's trying to rebound. The most recognizable name in professional golf is courting videogame publishers to feature him in a new game.</p>
<p>Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, broke the news to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/9895265/tiger-woods-electronic-arts-end-15-year-relationship">ESPN</a>, but didn't comment on how negotiations were going. "We had an incredible run. Outside of Madden, you would be hard pressed to find a sports figure that meant as much to a videogame company as Tiger meants to EA. But, times are changing and EA had to re-evaluate the partnership, and frankly, so did we," Steinberg commented.</p>
<p>EA will continue its pro golf franchise without the iconic Woods. As far as Tiger's concerned, let's file this under "Cautiously Optimistic"; after all, we could have the next <em>Ken Griffey, Jr. Presents Major League Baseball</em>&nbsp;on our hands.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/9895265/tiger-woods-electronic-arts-end-15-year-relationship">EA Sports, Tiger Woods Part Ways</a> [ESPN]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/264703-TW2Header.jpg" alt="Tiger Woods is trying to sell his name to a new videogame screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264440Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreFirst image of next-gen PGA Tour is missing Tiger Woods2013-10-28T17:00:00Z2013-10-28T17:00:00Z<p>After years of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-tiger-woods-pga-tour-14-249642.phtml"><em>Tiger Woods PGA Tour</em></a> videogames, EA Sports and Tiger Woods are parting ways.</p>
<p>"EA Sports and Tiger Woods have also made a mutual decision to end our partnership, which includes Tiger's named <em>PGA Tour</em> golf game," VP and GM of Golf Daryl Holt wrote. "We've always been big fans of Tiger and we wish him continued success in all his future endeavors. Moving forward, we will continue to work with the PGA Tour exclusively to create groundbreaking golfing titles and our partnership remains strong."</p>
<p>The screenshot is a first look at the next-gen title featuring blindingly bright water and a blimp, among various other little touches. There's a comparison shot below of the same scene on current-gen hardware that comes off looking sterile. Can you spot all of the differences?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ea.com/news/first-next-gen-golf-details-revealed">First Next Gen Golf Details Revealed</a> [EA]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/264440-h1.jpg" alt="First image of next-gen PGA Tour is missing Tiger Woods screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-image-of-next-gen-pga-tour-is-missing-tiger-woods-264440.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=263823Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenSuch smooth armpits! NBA Live 14 gameplay trailer2013-10-18T16:45:00Z2013-10-18T16:45:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E9xaRywnnQI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Oh my <em>gosh</em>. Looks at those players' armpits. It's like an uncanny armpit valley. They look like Stretch Armstrongs or those sex dolls people date and think are real.</p>
<p>Yes, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nba-live-lives-coming-to-ps4-and-xbox-one-256193.phtml"><em>NBA Live</em> series lives</a>. <em>NBA Live 14</em> is coming to PS4 and Xbox One next month. It uses that next gen hardware to pretty good effect in rendering player likeness, too. Armpits aside, anyway.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Still, given the series' shaky recent history and the history of sports games launching with consoles, a wait and see approach might be wise. Still, this is a lot more encouraging than releasing <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/whose-screenshot-is-more-next-gen-nba-2k14-or-nba-live--263561.phtml">one screenshot</a>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/263823-magicsimpsons.jpg" alt="Such smooth armpits! NBA Live 14 gameplay trailer screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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